A celebration of life occurred recently for the late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and it drew some of the biggest names in presidential politics. 

While former President Donald Trump wasn't on the invite list, his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, was.

Melania Trump attended the service, and reports indicated that she did so not only out of respect, but to keep negative attention off of herself and presumably, Donald Trump.

The tribute service, held in Atlanta, Georgia, drew the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama, among others.

"She'd draw attention"

A CNN report indicated that Melania Trump attended the service because she knew if she didn't, she would have "drawn attention to herself," according to CNN's Kristen Holmes.

"She knew other first ladies were going to be there," Holmes said just before the service started. "She knew it would be more of a thing, if she didn’t attend."

Mercury News noted:

It’s generally known that the former presidents and their wives are not fans of Donald Trump. Jimmy Carter, in particular, blasted Trump as an “unscrupulous politician” for his allegedly illegal efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Melania Trump was praised by many for showing up to the service.

No one has more class than @MELANIATRUMP. She went into and left the lions den with her head up. She’s above politics and politricks. It was about paying respect to someone who was a part of a small group of special women who shared a common bond, that 99.99999% of women will… pic.twitter.com/DkRxO8tXds

— Vernon Jones (@VernonForGA) November 29, 2023

It was originally uncertain whether or not former President Jimmy Carter, who has been in hospice care since February, would attend the service. He was ultimately able to be there.

Social media reacts

Melania Trump's appearance wasn't without controversy, as many of her critics decided to dial in on what she wore to the service.

Some bashed her for wearing a gray outfit instead of black, like the other first ladies in attendance.

In case you missed it, Melania Trump (@MELANIATRUMP) is facing harsh criticism from the left. They claim that she wore a gray coat to Rosalynn Carter's funeral, while other First Ladies wore black, which is considered the appropriate color.

My take: I'm just wondering why all… pic.twitter.com/k4TZqGzkb6

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) November 29, 2023

It's truly sad that a funeral service appearance has to get political, but that's the age we now live in.